An animation professional known for her desire to give forward to pros and fans alike, Shannon has expanded her reach to writing prose, and showcasing those authors as well. Read interviews and guest posts from INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS, plus Shannon's own content.

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Dragons Against Them

Kingdoms of Fire and Ice

Book Two

Kyra Jacobs

Genre: Fantasy romance / paranormal alternate world

Publisher: Kyra Jacobs

Date of Publication: August 30th

ISBN: 978-0-9976719-1-9

Cover Artist: Kelly Martin

Book Description:

Blood is thicker than water…but can it melt a heart of ice?

Adelaide Miller gave up everything she knows to remain in Prince Zayne Godfrey’s alternate reality and assume her rightful place as eldest princess in the rival kingdom of Forath.

For an independent, free-spirited woman, however, royal life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it’s downright smothering. Especially since the vengeful Rosalind has gone AWOL.

Zayne is eager to wed Princess Addie—but their fathers seem more intent on keeping them apart. The longer Rosalind goes missing, the more suspicious each monarch becomes that the other is guilty of foul play.

Both kingdoms may soon face a strong, new rival intent on gaining power foretold by an ancient prophecy. To protect their chance at happily ever after, Zayne and Addie must partner with unlikely allies to save the one person intent on destroying them both.

But victory will not come without a price, and in the end, someone may have to pay—in blood.

I’ve always enjoyed writing (yep, was totally the kid who got all excited about essay assignments in my school days) but didn’t attempt novel work until I got sidelined a few summers back with a broken finger. (Repeat after me: I will not play ball without a mitt… I will not play ball without a mitt…) Bored and stuck inside to avoid itchy, sweaty casts, I started playing around with a story line. And, as they say, the rest was history.

How did you decide to make the move into being a published author?

Once I finished the first (or maybe second or third lol) draft of my debut manuscript, I figured what the hell—why not try to get it published? I mean, I’ll already made it past the hardest part, right?

Riiiiight. Little did I know. 😉

What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?

I write to offer readers an escape. We’re all overworked, overstressed, over-Mommed, over-Dadded—we need a break now and then! With reading, you can get lost in a story no matter the time of day, or if the weather will or won’t cooperate. Reading offers us an escape, be it for five minutes or five hours. I just try to make sure my books are fun, heartfelt, and end with happily ever afters.

What do you find most rewarding about writing?

When a friend (or even a fan—I think I’m up to 4 now!) calls or messages me, all excited about something they’re reading in one of my books. Or when they finish one book and demand to know when the next in series will be out. THAT makes my day.

What do you find most challenging about writing?

Carving out the time to do it, and then once I have that time blocked out, not being tempted to do something else. Like clean that room I’ve been putting off cleaning the other 4 times I sat down to write because I’m on deadline, or playing on the Book of Face. Hey—PR work is writing, right? *shakes fist at computer screen*

What advice would you give to people want to enter the field?

No one ever told me writing would be easy, and they were right not to. It’s not easy. In fact, at times it can be downright brutal. We authors are notoriously introverted, which leaves a lot of alone time where self-doubt can start to creep in. DON’T LET IT. Trust your instinct, trust your beta readers, trust your heart. AND WRITE ON.

Thank you so much for having me visit today – I loved your questions!!! Xoxo KJ

Excerpt:

“…How long has it been since you stretched your wings, went on a leisurely flight?”

Tristan bristled. “I am unfamiliar with your customs in Edana, Prince Zayne, but here in Forath, those responsible for protecting our kingdom have little time for leisure.”

“A pity, that.”

“How so?”

Zayne bent to press a kiss upon his betrothed’s hair. Its silken strands tickled his chin, and her scent washed over him anew. His enjoyment in the continued battle of wits with her prick of a brother waned and was replaced by the desire for a new activity. One that involved himself, Adelaide, and far less clothing.

As if reading his mind, she shifted against him, teasing his length. Had they been alone, the temptation to take her now, here in the stables, might have been too great to resist. The thought of her naked body stretched out willingly beneath him spurred Zayne to cease his battle of words and hasten their retreat.

“Because to fly often is not only good for the soul, but also serves to strengthen your wings and keep your battle skills keen.”

“Of course. But as Adelaide cannot fly, she need not join you. It is her studies that should be my sister’s primary focus prior to your upcoming wedding.”

“Then I shall tutor her on your family’s lineage while we are away, as I am well versed in the subject.” He leaned down farther, pressing a kiss to the hollow beneath her ear. She shivered in his arms as he murmured, “A few hours is all it should take.”

“It won’t take anywhere near that long,” Addie whispered.

Her breathy, musical voice spoke to the beast within. Three days was all that had passed since he’d seen her last, yet it seemed an eternity. His bed had felt empty, her soft skin achingly absent alongside his. Zayne took several more steps toward the door, guiding her with him. Tristan, however, continued to follow.

“I have every confidence in your tutoring skills, Prince Zayne, but my father issued strict orders that Princess Adelaide shall not leave the grounds unaccompanied.”

Addie tensed in Zayne’s arms. Of course a decree limiting her travels would create such a reaction in his free-spirited nymph. When they first met a few short weeks ago, she had been traveling alone. To now be restricted by King Jarin’s rules was undoubtedly difficult for her.

Ah, but he had ways to help ease her mind from these anxieties. Ways his body craved as much as the next breath. “An understandable decree, and one I pledge to uphold as her royal escort.”

Tristan’s eyes narrowed and remained fixed upon him, ignoring his sister’s plea. “He has been assigned to protect the royal family, Adelaide included.”

“A difficult task when the prince and princess are in different locations, is it not?”

“Indeed. But as we are both here at the present, I feel he is quite capable of offering protection to us both.”

“I have no doubt in his abilities.” Zayne gripped Adelaide tighter with one hand and shoved the stable’s rear door wide with his other. “Unfortunately for you, the present has now passed.”

As he summoned his transformation, the air around them began to whip and swirl, masking their escape in a cloud of dust and straw. The beast within wasn’t to be denied, and not a soul in Forath Castle could stop them. In an instant, they were airborne, Adelaide safe and secure in his taloned grasp.

About the Author:

Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she’s likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan. Be sure to stop by her website www.KyraJacobs.wordpress.com to learn more about her novels and ways connect with her on social media.

SHANNON MUIR began working in animation on shows like EXTREME GHOSTBUSTERS and INVADER ZIM, worked on the virtual world NEOPETS/PETPET PARK, and now has credits writing for animation and short stories.

VISIT SHANNON MUIR’S AUTHOR SITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER MYSTERY AND CRIME WRITING!